Update on the closed bar!
I posted a couple of days ago asking for advice with what to look out for when viewing a closed bar, you guys gave fantastic advice so I wanted to update how it went!
I viewed the bar yesterday, here are the overall findings!
The public seating areas are great, very minimal work required, some cleaning, removal of the Christmas decorations still on display, remove the large branded sign and replace, all seating is in great condition! The bathrooms need a deep clean but otherwise fine! Probably just add some branded light up POS to inject a bit of life but not much else! There is no AC, but we’re in the UK so not a big issue, hottest day of the year yesterday and the temperature was perfect inside. While I was there a gentleman turned up who checked the premises regularly for leaks and damage on the landlords behalf for insurance purposes - great timing for me as I got the opportunity to have a conversation and he informed me they were happy with the condition of the structure and that there were no leaks etc.
The bar - a VERY deep clean, lots of old and out of date stock to remove - not ideal as the area is heavily pedestrianised but obviously possible with some planning. The equipment is all very old, but assuming that it was working when closed I think the fridges, glass washer, cocktail stations and ice machine will be useable, at least enough to get the place opened but will likely need replacing soon.
Kitchen - the kitchen was fitted by the previous tenants without landlords consent, they don’t want fried food served, which is fine for me, I much prefer to work wet sales led with perhaps some bar snacks. The kitchen will require the most work but again, mostly removal of food left in fridges (respirator will be used for that job!) some old equipment that could be sold off once cleaned etc. this space will mostly be cleared and used for stock storage.
Beer cellar - A smart dispense system installed, I’m not sure wether this could be utilised or if whichever brewery I sign a deal with will prefer to rip out and start fresh, same with the post mix system. Lots of the room is taken up with shelving so once that is moved to the current kitchen area that will free up a lot of space to add more draught lines. Not ideal cellar access as it’s down a set of metal stairs but still preferable to the glass staircase I have to carry kegs down at my current venue!
Other -
There is still an alcohol license which could be transferred with or without the permission of the previous license holder.
Space in the bar to install a coffee machine
Plenty of people on that street, even at 10.30am when I viewed the venue so I believe the plan to run as a cafe bar during the day, serving draught pints and cocktails in the evening would certainly do well!
Here’s where it gets rather unique!
The landlord has had to seize 2 of his properties in the past few months so is more interested in tenants that can prove they have the skills and business plan to see out the lease term, rather than someone with a dream and a pocket full of cash.
They have had 10 offers so far but only 2 of them have been deemed viable enough to even send to the landlord but the agent did give the impression that he believed I would be a good fit.
I have submitted my offer of the advertised rent with minimal deposit alongside a very detailed, almost autobiographical cover letter explaining all my plans, skills and experience.
Keep your fingers crossed for me please folks!
Thank you again for all the wisdom and advice shared